Nature’s art an inspiration for gardeners

Courtesy of: Pam RoyMake frequent forays to places of natural beauty for inspiration in your garden, such as to Mt. Rainier to see the beauty in a mountain meadow.

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” -John Muir

What glory is revealed in the majestic beauty of a mountain meadow brimming with brilliantly colored wildflowers!

The abundant mix of lupines, paintbrush, asters and more are a bounteous feast for the senses.

In search of inspiration, this landscape designer makes frequent forays to places of natural beauty. Landscapes that no human hand has planned have a natural rhythm of their own and offer a solace to the soul.

In these havens of natural beauty, each plant has the appearance of being in just the right place. Each individual part of the landscape complements the whole. There is no question of “What was trying to be created here?”

There is a satisfying sense of order in the randomness of nature. The light, airy texture of the fronds of a small deer fern is complemented by the bold maple-like foliage of vanilla leaf. A low growing Oregon grape pokes up over a carpet of twinflowers.

On those days that you might feel frustrated by a corner of your garden that just won’t come together, or can’t muster up any enthusiasm about weeding that patch by the back patio (again!), take yourself out for a wilderness adventure.

It can be as simple as a walk in Japanese Gulch, or a stroll through the ravine at Picnic Point. Go in the early morning and notice the dewdrops perched on the top of a leaf.

A world of inspiration is reflected in that single drop of dew. Leave the technology at home and listen to the sounds of birds singing, the wind in the leaves.

Go farther infield to the Lake 22 Trail just off the Mountain Loop Highway and marvel at the old growth trees. Take your time. Walk slowly. Stop, look around. Breathe.

Enjoy the sense of peacefulness. In the silence, much wisdom is expressed.

For a complete sensory indulgence, visit the lush flower fields found at Paradise, Mt. Rainier National Park. Inhale the fragrance of the meadows.

Watch the hummingbirds hovering and loading up on nectar. Feel the cool spray of water as Edith Creek threads its way through the flower fields. Revel in the beauty and wonder of it all.

One of my favorite songs has verse that says: “I hope you never lose your sense of wonder.” (Lyrics from “I Hope You Dance” by Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sillers.)

Bring a little bit of this same sense of wonder home with you to your own garden.

Next time you step out into your yard, stop. Look around. Breathe. If you don’t recognize this outside your back door, give yourself a couple of minutes. Breathe. Look around again. Let the beauty nature offers reveal itself to. Enjoy.

Pam Roy, owner of Planscapes, has been a landscape designer and horticulturist for 30 years in the Northwest. Contact her at 425-252-9469 or go to www.planscapesdesign.com.

Join her in supporting keeping trails available to appreciate wilderness through the Washington Trails Association Hike-a-Thon this month. (www.wta.org).

Meet the Green Thumbs: Pam Roy and Bruce Gaudette. Pam's column is posted every second Wednesday of the month, whereas Bruce's column is posted every fourth Wednesday of the month.

Pam Roy, owner of Planscapes, has been a landscape designer and horticulturist for 30 years in the Northwest. Contact her at 425-252-9469 or go to www.planscapesdesign.com.

Bruce Gaudette, owner of Land Hoe! Landscape Design and Construction, holds an Associate Degree in Horticulture from Edmonds Community College and industry certifications in paver and permeable paver installation.